Urinary Tract Infections

Overview

Specialists at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota have extensive experience treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children and adolescents. Specialists in Pediatrics, Urology, Nephrology and Radiology work closely together to diagnose and treat the problem. Mayo also offers minimally invasive surgery when surgery is needed to correct recurrent problems.

Diagnosis

Physicians typically diagnose urinary tract infections by analyzing a urine sample from the child. Diagnosing abnormalities in the urinary tract usually requires more specific testing.

Treatment

Medications are the first step in treatintg UTI's in children. A series of exercises to help strengthen and train the bladder may also be an option. Surgery may be required if the child has an anatomic abnormality called vesicoureteral reflux. Mayo Clinic offers a minimally invasive approach to this surgery. Read more about UTI treatment in children.

About Urinary Tract Infections

The urinary system is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. All help remove wastes from the body. The kidneys filter waste from the blood. The ureters carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, where it is stored until it exits the body through the urethra.

Infrequent urination, incomplete bladder emptying, constipation and/or improper wiping techniques can trigger recurrent urinary tract infections in children. If bacteria travels from the bladder to the kidneys, the kidneys can also become infected. If not treated, UTIs can lead to serious illnesses.

UTIs are more common in girls than in boys. As many as 30 percent of children under age 10 who have UTIs have an abnormality in the anatomy of the kidney or bladder which affects how the urine flows down the urinary system. Finding these abnormalities is important, as some may need to be fixed with surgery.

Read more at www.MayoClinic.com
(A service of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research).